I see a lot of blogs and listen to podcasts where seasoned investors have a distinct target for this number. 

I've heard the restrictions and tricky distinction between employee and contractor.

@Jesse Barahona The single vs married distinction is regarding how much of the capital gain can be excluded.

Complex and I suppose I’m asking what are the distinctions to running numbers on something like a 38 unit v.

In CA it is very critical distinction because multiplex units (with a few exceptions) fall under CA rent control. 

They offer a variety of products for residential and commercial loans.I know on occasion, they issue multiple loans for multiple properties at the same time, but I've never heard of a single loan for truly distinct properties. 

As a first time home buyer you will be able to qualify for very low down payment so the barrier to entry isn't much and having others help pay your mortgage has some pretty distinct advantages, too.

The failure to pay must be characterized by deceit, evasion, false promises, or other distinctly culpable circumstances indicating a deliberate nonpayment or grossly indifferent attitude toward one’s just obligations.

If you're local and can do your own property management, you have a distinct advantage over those who can't.  

There are a lot of good spots in the Midwest with similar price points...but there is a clear distinction between sustainable and verifiable growth and quality of life...there are also state laws that dictate very important things like rent control and how much discretion landlords have...Ohio is at the top of the "landlord-friendly" ladder.